A Mid-Sized Manufacturing Company Wants to Buy Computer Equipment to Network

A mid-sized manufacturing company wants to buy computer equipment to network its operation with that of its distributors. After looking at the products and prices of several technology companies, the CEO of the firm settled on Asset Recovery Center, one of the largest sellers of used computer equipment, because it offered the same equipment and service at significantly lower prices. The CEO has just completed the _____ stage of the buying decision process.

A) purchase decision
B) need recognition
C) alternative evaluation
D) alternative identification
E) prepurchase patronage